The destination changes the outcome
Law 8 allows a kick-off to enter the opponents’ goal directly. If it instead travels untouched into the taker’s own goal, the outcome is a corner to the opposition. This is an asymmetric restart rule, rather than a general principle that every ball crossing a goal line scores.
Imagine the same central kick travelling in two directions. In one version it is a speculative shot over the opposing goalkeeper. In the other it is a badly weighted backward pass that nobody touches. The question is not simply whether the ball entered a goal; identify which goal and what restart began the sequence.
Keep the untouched condition visible
A replay that starts halfway through a long backward pass can hide the contact that matters most. Trace the sequence from the centre mark and establish whether another player touched it. Once a further touch is involved, this particular direct-from-kick-off comparison no longer describes the same situation.
The score graphic may not move while players react to a bizarre incident, which can make the scene feel like a delayed ruling on a normal own goal. Instead, watch the restart location. A corner is consistent with the special rule described here. The illustration explains the law; it is not a report that such an incident occurred in a named competition.
Questions answered
Can a kick-off score against the opponents without another touch?
Yes, subject to the usual requirements for a valid goal.
Is an untouched backward kick-off into the taker’s goal an own goal?
Law 8 awards the opponents a corner instead.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.